New Delhi, India – India, renowned for its diverse array of spices, plays a significant role in the global spice industry, exporting nearly $4 billion worth of spices each year. From chilli powder to cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and more, Indian spices bring rich flavors to dishes worldwide. However, recent concerns have emerged regarding the safety of some popular Indian spice brands.
Singapore and Hong Kong recently halted sales of spices from Indian companies MDH and Everest due to suspected elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing pesticide. Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration is investigating these products for potential contamination. This has raised alarms not only in India but also internationally, with the European Union and other countries launching their investigations.
Both MDH and Everest are well-established brands in India, with a long history of providing quality spices to consumers. However, this is not the first time Indian spices have faced contamination issues. In the past, instances of lead contamination in food colorings used in spices have been reported, along with seizures of adulterated spices by food and drug control authorities.
To address these concerns, the Indian government has instructed state governments to conduct quality tests and the Spices Board has issued guidelines for exporters to check for ethylene oxide use. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is also conducting tests on spice samples to ensure safety standards are met.
Experts suggest that India needs to revamp its approach to food safety, emphasizing transparency, strict enforcement, and clear communication to protect the integrity of its spice exports. As the global spice powerhouse, India’s reputation in the industry is at stake, and addressing these issues is paramount to restoring consumer trust and safeguarding public health.